Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for software and security, managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
- Company: Join HCLTech, a leader in IT solutions, driving innovation and quality in technology procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values strategic thinking and impactful supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT procurement with strong negotiation skills and a background in software and security.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and influence procurement strategies at a high level.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
The IT Procurement Software and Security Category Manager will be responsible for overseeing the procurement process of software and security solutions, ensuring the acquisition of high-quality, cost-effective products and services that align with the company's strategic goals. This role involves managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and developing procurement strategies to meet the organization and end customer’s technological and security needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering: Business partner with department heads and budget owners, becoming embedded within leadership teams. Support key business owners by providing education and managing key supply partner relationships. Advocate for the value of quality procurement and supplier partnerships.
- Leadership: Establish a strategic sourcing methodology for Software and Security Category that aligns with HCLTech’s policies. Lead continuous improvement activities within IT procurement. Provide SME input to any Procurement Transformation program. Mentor junior members of the procurement team.
- Execution: Deliver outstanding procurement benefits across cost, risk, quality, ESG, and innovation. Lead high-value supplier negotiations within the category space to deliver win-win outcomes. Act as a key escalation point for supplier performance management. Providing expertise in the information technology sourcing category, including market knowledge and sourcing best practices. Working with tactical buying team to manage renewal requirements. Providing day to day guidance as support to tactical buyers. Confidently and completely negotiating with vendors at a high level ensuring best value and quality of services are maintained. Working collaboratively with all internal stakeholders (IT, Finance, Legal and Service Owners, etc).
- Category Management: Define and deliver Software and Security category plan and identify appropriate sourcing strategies which generate benefits and achieve financial savings whilst mitigating risk for HCLTech and its customers. Applying knowledge of Software and Security category to implement appropriate contractual safeguards, SLAs and other operational measures. Acting as liaison between HCLTech and our vendors ensuring requirements and concerns are fully understood and ensure these are fed back during appropriate stages to the vendors. Use expert knowledge of software and security categories to deliver substantial improvements in engagement, contracting, and management of partners. Embed a category management approach to procurement across IT categories. Applying knowledge of contractual terms and conditions ensuring commercially attractive terms are agreed and contract spend remains in budget while mitigating risks in such terms.
Qualifications
- Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in business, Information Technology, or a related field. Professional certifications in procurement or IT security are a plus.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT procurement, with a focus on software and security solutions.
- Skills: Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of software and security technologies, market trends, and vendor landscape.
- Attributes: Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
IT Procurement Software and Security Category Manager employer: HCLTech
Contact Detail:
HCLTech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Procurement Software and Security Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the IT procurement field, especially those who have experience in software and security. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific software and security solutions that are currently trending in the market. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this fast-paced industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in vendor negotiations and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships. Highlight any specific examples where you achieved cost savings or improved service quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you approach data analysis in procurement decisions. Be prepared to explain how you use data to inform your strategies and improve procurement outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Procurement Software and Security Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT procurement, especially in software and security solutions. Use specific examples of past roles where you managed vendor relationships or negotiated contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your understanding of the procurement process and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience in leading negotiations and developing procurement strategies.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly showcase your analytical, negotiation, and communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles to achieve cost-effective procurement solutions.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: If you have experience in leading continuous improvement activities within procurement, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss any specific methodologies or strategies you implemented that resulted in significant benefits.
How to prepare for a job interview at HCLTech
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in IT procurement, especially in software and security solutions. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of successful negotiations and how you've managed vendor relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
During the interview, illustrate your ability to develop and implement procurement strategies that align with business goals. Discuss how you have previously established sourcing methodologies and led continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle supplier performance issues. Prepare scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges in procurement, showcasing your analytical and negotiation skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various internal stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborating with teams like IT, Finance, and Legal. Highlight how you’ve built strong partnerships and advocated for quality procurement.
